Robbers have stolen crucial parts of a CT scan machine and other essential equipment from a Sindh government hospital located in the Liaquatabad area of Karachi. This brazen theft has severely impacted the hospital’s capabilities and the services it can offer to its patients.
The stolen equipment from the Advance Trauma Centre includes vital components such as wiring, circuits, UPS, batteries, and other essential elements necessary for the CT scan machine to function. This sophisticated machine had been installed at a significant cost of over Rs 10 million, underscoring the gravity of the theft. Following the incident, patients in need of CT scans are being referred to other hospitals, causing inconvenience and delays in their medical treatment.
Despite the serious nature of the crime, reports have emerged suggesting that the investigation into the theft has been halted due to interference from influential authorities. This has raised concerns about the hospital’s security measures and the ability of law enforcement to address such incidents effectively.
In a related incident, last month saw the theft of cancer drugs worth a staggering Rs 360 million from Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK). This theft involved 76,000 tablets of Elbonix 50mg and Palbonix 125mg, both crucial for cancer treatment. In response to this massive loss, the Eidgah police registered a theft case on June 20, 2024, following a complaint lodged by Medical Superintendent (MS) Syed Muhammad Khalid.
The complaint implicated two grade 16 employees of the health department, Niaz Ahmed Khaskheli and Iqbal Ahmed Chana, accusing them of conspiring to sell the stolen cancer drugs. The theft of these drugs, which occurred between February 17 and September 29, 2023, highlights significant vulnerabilities in the hospital’s security protocols and the need for more stringent oversight.
These consecutive incidents of theft at government hospitals in Karachi not only highlight the pressing issue of inadequate security but also underscore the potential involvement of internal actors in such crimes. The impact on patients, particularly those requiring urgent medical tests and treatments, cannot be overstated. There is an urgent need for thorough investigations and stronger preventive measures to protect vital medical resources from such acts of theft and corruption.